Be Kind to Your Kneesby Alan Joel

Being a former ballet dancer, I have seriously abused my knees such that, later in life, they can sometimes hurt. So I'm writing a post on how to be kind to your knees in everyday life.

According to noted Tai Chi master Michael Chou of Los Angeles, CA, improper use of or failure to use the knees is one of the primary causes of back pain, leg pain and joint pain in the lower body. In a recent workshop, Chou explained that the knees form a major part of the body's shock absorption system, and that proper use of the knees prevented excessive strain on the other joints and the spine.

He also pointed out that most people bend over at the waist when picking something up off the ground rather than bending the knees to get closer to the ground. Because the knee joints are such a vital part of the body's structural system, it's important to consciously use them as much as possible. More importantly, the knees tend to deteriorate from lack of use. Chou added that one should use the knees frequently -- or eventually lose the use of them at all! Use 'em or lose 'em.

Finally, if you are like me and have already abused your knees, nutrition is one natural way to address any knee pain you might experience. Antioxidants like wheat sprouts and nutrients that stimulate your body to produce stem cells both help joint mobility and decrease pain. Natural nutrition is a better solution than over-the-counter inflammatory drugs, which can suppress healing and cause side effects, such as stomach ulcers.